The international bestseller; translated by the award-winning translator of The Tobacconist; Charlotte Collins Winner of the European Union Prize for Literature 'Original and captivating . . . its quiet charm in straightforward prose belies its sharp insight into the human condition' Stylist 'It is impossible to look away from it' Guardian 'Dazzling' John Irving *************** I've known Death a long time but now Death knows me. When their idyllic childhood is shattered by the sudden death of their parents; siblings Marty; Liz and Jules are sent to a bleak state boarding school. Once there; the orphans' lives change tracks: Marty throws himself into academic life; Liz is drawn to dark forms of escapism; and Jules transforms from a vivacious child to a withdrawn teenager. The only one who can bring him out of his shell is his mysterious classmate Alva; who hides a dark past of her own; but despite their obvious love for one another; the two leave school on separate paths. Years later; just as it seems that they can make amends for time wasted; the past catches up with them; and fate - or chance - will once again alter the course of a life. Told through the fractured lives of the siblings; The End of Loneliness is a heartfelt; enriching novel about loss and loneliness; family and love. *************** 'This novel has been rightfully described as something of a masterpiece. One thing is for sure - it is not easily forgotten' Sunday Post 'Beautifully rendered: moving and wise; occasionally timeless . . . when Wells most needs to be sophisticated; he is' Irish Times 'A superbly insightful story' BookRiot